If you like the idea of a quick, mess-free coffee fix early in the morning, a pod machine is a good option. But how do you pick the most efficient one?
This machine features a retro design and features the SMEG Lavazza logos on its front. It's more expensive and requires a larger space on your counter. However, it's the best pod coffee maker with the solid feel.
1. Nespresso Compatible
If you're a Nespresso lover, you will be looking for a coffee maker that is compatible with the capsules from this brand. It's also possible to consider a model that can use other capsules, such as organic and Fairtrade choices or flavored pods with a special flavor. They're usually sold at a similar price to the originals and some include an inbuilt milk frother, which allows you to make a cappuccino or latte.
The debut of Bruvi into the pod machine market in 2022 was greeted with excitement. The vibrantly-colored machine promised three things: a more flavorful cup of coffee than other pod machines, a broad selection of drinks and pods you can throw in the bin without worrying about the environmental impact.
It is a winner on three counts. The pod coffee machine is small and inexpensive and yet produces an intense and rich cup of espresso each time. It's also among the most silent models available and you can whip up an espresso cup Joe before your morning alarm is set to sound.
The Bruvi is available in two sizes and can be adjusted according to the type of drink you are making. It comes with three settings for temperature and the texture of the milk when making a cappuccino or Latte. It can also make hot chocolate, which is perfect for adults or kids who want to warm up and relax.
Another feature that's a big benefit is the programmable sleep mode, which switches to standby after a period of one hour of no use. It's also easy to clean and requires very little water. Think about a machine with an open capsule holder that can be removed to make emptying the capsule easier.
You can also add a milk maker to your coffee pod machine (unless one is already included in the model you buy). It is also possible to consider a coffee filter that is reusable and can be used with reusable capsules. A thermometer or water kettle for precise temperature control is another option.
2. Easy to Clean
A coffee pod machine is a convenient way to start your morning with a hot cup coffee. In a few minutes you'll be enjoying a freshly-brewed drink. Just insert a pod and turn it on. These machines are also easy to clean and most of them don't require regular maintenance, simply refilling the water tank and descaling every six months or more.
Keurig's K-Cups offer the largest selection of options available including national brands and popular grocery store brands like Folgers, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and Dunkin' Donuts. There are even some non-coffee options, such as tea and hot cocoa, available in K-Cup forms from various brands. But you're not restricted to Keurig's K-Cups to make a fantastic cup of coffee. you can also use filter capsules that can be reused made of paper or plastic that hold ground coffee or pre-loaded drip pods, and even loose grounds of coffee.
But many of these machines aren't known for delivering an intense, rich cup that holds up to the most discerning palate. We discovered some pod coffee makers that make watery or bitter cups of coffee. Others were so difficult operate that they occupied a lot of space on your counter, and they were also likely to run noisily.
There are some high-quality coffee makers that offer the convenience and consistency of single-serve machines without the flimsy packaging and sour taste. Some come with a built-in milk frother that allows you to foam and pour your latte or cappuccino, while others sell an additional frother that you can plug into the machine to create an amazing foamy top to your drinks.
In addition to producing a great brew the newer pod coffee machines have also taken steps to address the increasing concerns about the environmental impact that comes with single-serve pods made of plastic. Keurig and Nespresso made their aluminum pods recyclable by replacing them with polypropylene. The latter offers free capsule recycling bags that are drop off at any store or UPS facility. Bruvi, a newly launched competitor, makes use of pods that are only compatible with its own brewers. They are designed to break down quickly in landfills and not leave microplastics.
3. Fast Brewing
A pod coffee maker is a godsend for those who don't wish to grind beans or boil a kettle. These nifty devices let you brew your cup of espresso, coffee or tea in a matter of minutes, with no cleanup. While these machines generate more waste for the environment than drip machines however, they're significantly less laborious than making whole beans in a French press or pour-over.
A company based in LA known as Bruvi has launched its BV-01 pod machine towards the end of 2022. It promised to produce more flavorful single serve coffee and provide more drink options than pod-based machines and provide recyclable capsules that could be removed without breaking down into tiny microplastics. While the Bruvi brewer will cost more than Keurig or Nespresso but it is an excellent device all around that feels like a beginning of a new era in pod coffee.
One of the biggest things to think about when purchasing a coffee pod maker is the serving size. Certain models can serve single-serve cups in a wide variety of sizes, from huge travel mugs to 2-ounce espresso shots. Other machines can make entire pots of coffee, and some even come with a milk frother so you can add a smooth cappuccino or lattes to your morning joe.
Another aspect to take into consideration is the design of a pod coffee maker. The color, finish and the location of the machine as well as the size and location of the reservoir will affect how it looks on your counter. Some brands even offer different colored pods that allow you to change your beverage to suit the season or your mood.
Pod coffee makers tend to be compact and take up less space than drip or single-serve brewers. Although a small footprint may be desirable, it's crucial that your device has the capacity to make multiple cups in between refills. For which coffee machine is best , one that holds at least 40 ounces should suffice for the majority of pod coffee makers.
4. Variety of Drinks
Pod machines are surprisingly flexible and, based on the brand you choose, can make all manner of drinks. Some brands, such as Keurig's popular Keurig system as well as Sage's Nespresso collaboration, can brew four different sizes of drinks, while others offer just one or two. Certain machines also make tea, hot chocolate and cold drinks.
Some pod coffee machines come with built-in milk frothers which can create cappuccinos, lattes and other drinks that are frothy. Some require a separate milk jug, or a conjoined one to perform this task. The top milk-frothing coffee machines are easy to use and offer precise control. They also feature sleek designs that fits in any kitchen.
The Grind One is a great example. It has a minimalist design that's a step away from the curvatures you see on other pod coffee makers and is smaller than most Keurig models making it a great choice for those who have small kitchens or dorm rooms. The water tank is simple to access and holds up to 40 grams. The machine will automatically place capsules used up into a container that is attached to the machine. Apart from maintaining the reservoir and descaling it every six months, no maintenance is required.
This machine is more costly than other models we've reviewed, however, it offers a superior experience. The drip tray can be adjusted to ensure that it can fit tall travel mugs or short espresso cups. It can make up to five different drinks thanks to an RFID system that scans each compatible pod to automatically adjust its settings.
This is the best-looking machine we've ever test. It also makes an excellent tasting brew, especially for an automatic. We didn't award this machine the top spot because it's not able to milk froth. The only option is to use dried skimmed milk capsules which don't taste as good as freshly squeezed milk. We would have given this pod machine high marks with an integrated milk frother.
